Trans-saccadic perception.
A basic question in cognition is how visual information obtained in separate glances can produce a stable, continuous percept. Previous explanations have included theories such as integration in a trans-saccadic buffer or storage in visual memory, or even that perception begins anew with each fixation. Converging evidence from primate neurophysiology, human psychophysics and neuroimaging indicate an additional explanation: the intention to make a saccadic eye movement leads to a fundamental alteration in visual processing itself before and after the saccadic eye movement. We outline five principles of 'trans-saccadic perception' that could help to explain how it is possible - despite discrete sensory input and limited memory - that conscious perception across saccades seems smooth and predictable.
Melcher
David
D
Center for Mind/Brain Sciences and Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, Corso Bettini 31, Rovereto 38068, Italy. david.melcher@unitn.it
Colby
Carol L
CL
D000818:Animals; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001364:Awareness / Q000502:physiology; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D012438:Saccades / Q000502:physiology*; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; D014795:Visual Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*